Theme Park to Be Operated by Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments, a British company specializing in location-based entertainment, announced on Jan. 7 (local time) that it has entered into a partnership agreement with the Gangwon Provincial Government to build a LEGOLAND Park in South Korea, scheduled to open by 2022.
LEGOLAND Korea will be situated upon the island of Hajungdo in Chuncheon, located approximately one hour’s journey east of Seoul and within a two-hour drive time of nearly 24 million people. The full-scale theme park resort will also incorporate a fully themed LEGOLAND Hotel upon opening. It will employ 1,600 people and is expected to provide an economic boost to the city of Chuncheon and the surrounding region.
The total cost of the resort, including the on-site accommodation, is expected to be 290 billion won (US$258 million). Merlin will invest 210 billion won into the development of the resort, which will be fully owned and operated by Merlin.
The remaining funding of 80 billion won (US$71 million) will come from LL Developments, the investment arm of Gangwon Province. Additionally the funding for necessary additional infrastructure adjacent to the resort will be provided by national, regional and local governments.
It will be Merlin’s 10th LEGOLAND Park, following LEGOLAND New York’s scheduled opening in 2020. Merlin is also in advanced discussions with third parties about a number of sites for LEGOLAND Parks in China and continues to see opportunity for 20 LEGOLAND Parks around the world, over time.
Nick Varney, Merlin’s chief executive officer, said, “It’s been long in gestation, but I’m delighted that we are now in a position to move forward with opening LEGOLAND Korea Resort. We know Koreans love theme parks and love LEGO, and together with the Gangwon authorities, we have already established an attractive and well-connected site in Chuncheon. We look forward to accelerating progress with our partners who have contributed significantly with funding and infrastructural support, and to welcoming our first guests to LEGOLAND Korea Resort."
As part of the ongoing relationship, the Korean government, Gangwon Province and Chuncheon City have already invested in the construction of a new bridge to Hajungdo island and undertaken groundworks on the site. Further retail and complementary leisure offerings are planned as part of the island’s overall development.
The LEGO brand was introduced to South Korea in 1984 and quickly established itself as one of the country’s best loved toy brands. South Korea is LEGO Group’s third largest market in Asia Pacific.
Merlin also operates a SEA LIFE Centre in Busan, South Korea.